Under what circumstance may USGS-funded unpublished data be cited in scholarly publications? [016]

The use of unpublished data is not permitted for in-text citations when referring to USGS-funded data used to support the results and conclusions presented in scholarly publications (including outside publications and USGS publication series). Citations referring to unpublished data, however, are allowed when the citation refers to content or auxiliary information that is not essential to ensuring others can replicate the results or evaluate the validity of the data used to support the conclusions of the scholarly publication. These in-text citations must include the name and affiliation of the personal contact from whom unpublished data were obtained, and include the year of the communication (e.g., Mary Doe, U.S. Geological Survey, unpublished data, 2017). Refer to FAQ A.15 for additional information about citing unpublished data that are not funded by the USGS.